17 October 2012

European politicians board Gaza-bound aid ship

“The Israeli siege is a politically motivated act of collective punishment and is entirely illegal under international law”

POLITICIANS from across Europe joined the
crew of the SV Estelle aid ship in international waters on Tueday as it
attempts to break the siege of Gaza.

Members of Parliament from Greece, Norway,
Sweden and Spain embarked on the Estelle at sea just south of the Greek
archipelago. The ship is carrying humanitarian cargo and is expected to arrive
in the besieged Palestinian territory this weekend.

The Finland-registered ship was informed
last week that Israel has threatened to use force against the vessel. The
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland told the ship that they had been
informed by Israel that: “in case SV Estelle seeks to break the blockade at sea
on Gaza (20 nautical miles), Israel will intervene in the situation by using
force. Should this take place, the safety of the people on board may be
jeopardised.”

Two years ago Israeli special forces raided
a Turkish aid ship in international waters on its way to Gaza and killed nine
Humanitarian Relief Foundation activists in an incident which sparked international outrage. In November 2011
the Irish ship MV Saoirse also attempted to break the siege but it was
surounded by Israeli naval vessels and forcibly seized.

Recently, 80 elected representatives from
the Dáil, Seanad and the Assembly as well as Irish MEPs, signed a petition in
support of the Estelle as it aims to breach the illegal Israeli blockade.

Fintan Lane of Gaza Action Ireland said it
was “wonderful” to see so many politicians take a stand for human rights:
“Israel has no right to stop the Estelle and the ship should be allowed to
bring its humanitarian cargo directly to the port of Gaza. This inhuman
blockade has gone on for far too long and must be ended. The people of Gaza are
entitled to their human rights and dignity just like people anywhere else. The
Israeli siege is a politically motivated act of collective punishment and is
entirely illegal under international law. The international community needs to
be more robust in its opposition to this appalling blockade.”

Sinn Féin spokesperson on international
affairs Seán Crowe TD said: “I hope that their non-violent attempts to break
the Gaza blockade are successful. The ship is carrying aid and construction
goods which are needed to overcome the humanitarian emergency in the region.”